DEATH VALLEY -- The National Park Service is beginning the preparation of an environmental assessment to evaluate the re-establishment of Towne Pass Material Site 218 for use by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).

Caltrans previously used this site to extract sand and gravel for road maintenance purposes when it was managed by the Bureau of Land Management. In 1994, the passage of the California Desert Protection Act transferred this and other lands to the National Park Service as part of Death Valley National Park.

Caltrans is primarily responsible for the costly maintenance of Highway 190. "This is the major east-west travel route through the Park," said Superintendent J. T. Reynolds.

Importing borrowed materials from outside of Death Valley National Park is associated with high costs and runs the risk of introducing non-native plant species into the environment. The planning process will assess alternatives for more cost-effective borrow sources, including Towne Pass Material Site 218.

The NPS is interested in any information or suggestions that may contribute to the development of alternatives or assessment of impacts. Those wishing to comment should submit their testimony in writing as soon as possible, but no later than Sept. 8, to: Superintendent, Death Valley National Park, P.O. Box 579, Death Valley, CA 92328, or to DEVA_Superintendent@nps.gov.

Relevant comments will be addressed in the planning process and development of environmental impact analysis.

Please contact the park to be added to the mailing list for this project. Remember that unless requested otherwise, a list of all those that comment during public review periods, including their addresses, is available upon request.

A second opportunity for public comments will be available later this year when the proposed environmental assessment is released. It will analyze alternatives derived from comments provided at this time, from issues arising during the park planning process, and from other issues applicable to housing management within the park in conformance with National Park Service and park policy.